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Michael F. Easley
Governor
State of North Carolina
Office of the Governor
Governor's Press Office
State Capitol, Raleigh, NC 27603-8001
(919) 733-5612 - Toll Free 1-800-662-7005
FAX (919) 733-5166
For Release: IMMEDIATE Contact: Fred Hartman/Cari Hepp
Date: October 18, 2001 Phone: (919) 733-5612
EASLEY SIGNS MANAGED CARE PATIENTS’ BILL OF RIGHTS
RALEIGH – Gov. Mike Easley today signed into law North Carolina’s Managed Care Patients’ Bill of Rights, which some advocates have called the strongest patient protection legislation in the country.
Easley made the fight for patients’ rights a cornerstone of his campaign and introduced legislation shortly after taking office this year. He signed the bill into law today during a ceremony at WakeMed in Raleigh attended by physicians, legislators, patients, advocates and Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina (BCBSNC).
“I am proud to sign into law a bill that puts real teeth in patients’ rights protection,” Easley told the crowd. “Some are calling this bill the strongest patients’ rights legislation in the nation. We said back in February that North Carolina would not wait on Washington. We fought long and hard – patients fought long and hard – for this bill, and their day is finally here.”
“This legislation puts the focus back on care and puts the medical decisions back in the hands of doctors,” Easley said. “Just like doctors and nurses, health insurance companies must be held accountable when their decisions affect the care we receive. This legislation demands it. After all, health care is not a privilege...it is a necessity. And there is nothing more important than the health and well being of our children and families.”
The bipartisan bill was sponsored by Sen. Allen Wellons, Sen. Bill Purcell, Sen. Tony Rand, Sen. James Forrester, Rep. Phil Baddour, Rep. Joe Hackney, Rep. Edd Nye and Rep. Larry Justus.
"When people get sick, they need to concentrate on getting well – not worry about their health-care coverage.” said Sen. Wellons. “This new law will help make sure patients and their loved ones are able to get the medical care they need, and the peace of mind they deserve."
“This is the best patients' bill of rights in the nation and this bill will be an example for other state legislatures,” said Rep. Baddour. "Most importantly this bill ensures that decisions are made by the patient and their doctor." “I am pleased that Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina was able to help deliver on the promise of a Patients' Bill of Rights,” said Bob Greczyn, CEO of BCBSNC. “We support this law because it provides the same kind of protections that we offer our customers every day.”
(see attachments for information on the new law)

Michael F. Easley
Governor
State of North Carolina
Office of the Governor
Governor's Press Office
State Capitol, Raleigh, NC 27603-8001
(919) 733-5612 - Toll Free 1-800-662-7005
FAX (919) 733-5166
For Release: IMMEDIATE Contact: Fred Hartman/Cari Hepp
Date: October 18, 2001 Phone: (919) 733-5612
EASLEY SIGNS MANAGED CARE PATIENTS’ BILL OF RIGHTS
RALEIGH – Gov. Mike Easley today signed into law North Carolina’s Managed Care Patients’ Bill of Rights, which some advocates have called the strongest patient protection legislation in the country.
Easley made the fight for patients’ rights a cornerstone of his campaign and introduced legislation shortly after taking office this year. He signed the bill into law today during a ceremony at WakeMed in Raleigh attended by physicians, legislators, patients, advocates and Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina (BCBSNC).
“I am proud to sign into law a bill that puts real teeth in patients’ rights protection,” Easley told the crowd. “Some are calling this bill the strongest patients’ rights legislation in the nation. We said back in February that North Carolina would not wait on Washington. We fought long and hard – patients fought long and hard – for this bill, and their day is finally here.”
“This legislation puts the focus back on care and puts the medical decisions back in the hands of doctors,” Easley said. “Just like doctors and nurses, health insurance companies must be held accountable when their decisions affect the care we receive. This legislation demands it. After all, health care is not a privilege...it is a necessity. And there is nothing more important than the health and well being of our children and families.”
The bipartisan bill was sponsored by Sen. Allen Wellons, Sen. Bill Purcell, Sen. Tony Rand, Sen. James Forrester, Rep. Phil Baddour, Rep. Joe Hackney, Rep. Edd Nye and Rep. Larry Justus.
"When people get sick, they need to concentrate on getting well – not worry about their health-care coverage.” said Sen. Wellons. “This new law will help make sure patients and their loved ones are able to get the medical care they need, and the peace of mind they deserve."
“This is the best patients' bill of rights in the nation and this bill will be an example for other state legislatures,” said Rep. Baddour. "Most importantly this bill ensures that decisions are made by the patient and their doctor." “I am pleased that Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina was able to help deliver on the promise of a Patients' Bill of Rights,” said Bob Greczyn, CEO of BCBSNC. “We support this law because it provides the same kind of protections that we offer our customers every day.”
(see attachments for information on the new law)